What do a 14-mile hike through the Grand Canyon and women entrepreneurs in Malawi have in common? Everything—if you ask Mike and Max Carson. This father-son duo is raising funds for Opportunity International’s life-changing programs by taking on a grueling trek that’s helping bring attention to the power of small businesses to lift families out of extreme poverty.
Mentorship, Motivation, and Popsicles: Mike’s Early Start
Opportunity International clients show us every day what it takes to be an entrepreneur—grit, persistence, inspiration, and motivation can go a long way toward success. But the greatest success often comes when someone is by your side—believing in you, investing in you, and inspiring you to keep going.
Take Mike Carson, for example—a lifelong entrepreneur and longtime Opportunity supporter based in Chicago. Mike’s entrepreneurial journey started early, inspired by his father.
“My big break was when I was 12,” Mike recalled. “My dad was giving me my allowance, but he stopped and asked if I wanted to double my money. We went and bought popsicles with my allowance and sold them to parents at the Little League game and doubled it.”
That early lesson stuck—and shaped his future.
Passing the Torch: Max Builds His Own Business
Mike understands the profound impact a supportive mentor can have on someone trying to find their path. As the founder of Inspired Closets Chicago, he’s helped establish trade associations in his sector and regularly mentors other entrepreneurial spirits.
His commitment to mentorship doesn’t stop at work—he’s also passed on those values to his four children. In fact, his son Max is now a small business owner himself, running a company that’s been steadily growing for the past four years.
Hiking for Her: The Grand Canyon Challenge
Now, Mike and Max are preparing for their next big endeavor together—Team Opportunity’s upcoming Grand Canyon Challenge. The two will take on a 14-mile, rim-to-river hike through the canyon to raise awareness and funds for the women Opportunity serves in Malawi. These women are overcoming unimaginable odds to build businesses, support their families, and transform their communities.
Team Opportunity is a group of passionate adventurers, athletes, and changemakers who take on physical challenges to fundraise for Opportunity International. Every trek, race, or ride helps fund The Rise—our program focused on empowering women living in extreme poverty to become entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities.
“This trip is about supporting Opportunity and their clients, but I think it’s really about leading by example,” said Max. “This hike is a challenge, but it’s not as challenging as what these women face. We want people to know about their struggles and to step up and support them.”
Why Entrepreneurship Changes Lives in Malawi
In Malawi, many women Opportunity serves live on less than $1 per day. Through The Rise, these women learn to start and grow small businesses, send their children to school, and gain confidence, skills, and dignity.
It’s these women—tenacious, determined, and full of potential—that inspire Mike and Max to keep going.
“I’m ready to get out of my comfort zone,” Max said. “I think it’s all about the end goal. We want to help more women achieve better opportunities in situations that we could never fully fathom.”
One Step at a Time: How You Can Support Women Entrepreneurs
This father-and-son duo is currently training for a 12-hour hike that includes a 5,000-foot ascent—no small feat. But they know the effort is worth it.
“We’re going to put ourselves out there—it’s inspirational,” said Mike. “The cherry on top of all of this is getting to do this with my son. I’m so happy Max can join me on this incredible adventure and give back.”
Together, Mike and Max are proving that support, mentorship, and shared purpose can move mountains—or hike through them.
“I’m really driven to make an impact here,” Max added. “It’s remarkable to see what these women have achieved with a fraction of the opportunity we were born into.”
Want to support Mike and Max?
You can donate directly to Team Opportunity’s Grand Canyon fundraiser to help them reach their goal and support women entrepreneurs in Malawi. Every step they take—and every dollar you give—helps end extreme poverty, one business at a time.
Update: Mike, Max, and Team Opportunity successfully completed this epic hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back on April 26 in 11 hours. The team collectively raised over $52,000 for the women in Malawi. Click here to watch a quick recap video of the incredible day!
